If you’ve ever dreamed of combining chewy oats, sweet raisins, and a comforting hint of cinnamon into one delightful treat, this Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. It takes everything you love about traditional oatmeal raisin cookies and transforms it into an easy-to-cut bar that’s perfect for sharing, lunchboxes, or an anytime pick-me-up. The bars come together quickly with simple ingredients, creating a soft, chewy texture with just the right amount of sweetness and spice that keeps everyone coming back for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let the straightforward list fool you—each ingredient plays a crucial role in crafting the perfect texture, taste, and aroma of these bars. From the nutty oats providing chewy bites to the warm cinnamon infusing comforting flavors, everything works together beautifully.
- 1 ½ cups old-fashioned rolled oats: The foundation of these bars, giving them chewy texture and hearty flavor.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: Helps bind the bars together and ensures a soft, tender crumb.
- ¾ cup brown sugar: Adds moisture and deep caramel notes that complement the oats and raisins.
- ¼ cup granulated sugar: Balances sweetness with a subtle crispness around the edges.
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened: Brings richness and buttery goodness to the batter.
- 2 large eggs: Essential for structure and that chewy, yet tender bite.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Lifts all the flavors with a warm, inviting aroma.
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon: The soul of this recipe, adding cozy, spiced warmth.
- ½ teaspoon baking soda: Helps these bars rise perfectly without being cakey.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances and balances the sweetness in every bite.
- 1 cup raisins: Little bursts of natural sweetness and a chewy contrast to oats.
- Optional glaze – 1 cup powdered sugar, 1–2 tablespoons milk, ½ teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a sweet, glossy finish that’s totally irresistible.
How to Make Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking pan with parchment paper or grease it generously to make sure your bars come out clean and intact. This is a small but vital step to avoid sticking and to ensure neat, perfect squares after baking.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars
Using softened butter, beat it together with the brown and granulated sugars until the mixture is light and fluffy. It takes a few minutes but this process is key—it incorporates air that helps the bars develop a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then stir in the vanilla extract. This step adds not only moisture and structure but layers of flavor that start building the warm, comforting profile of these bars.
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, oats, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt. Making sure your spices and leavening agents are evenly distributed is essential for that perfect rise and flavor consistency throughout every bite of your oatmeal raisin cookie bars recipe.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually add the dry ingredients into your wet batter. Mixing slowly and carefully ensures the dough stays tender and doesn’t get overworked, which can lead to tough bars instead of soft, chewy perfection.
Step 6: Fold in the Raisins
Gently fold in the raisins, making sure they’re evenly scattered throughout the batter. These little gems add bursts of natural sweetness and a chewy contrast that makes every bite interesting and truly delightful.
Step 7: Bake Until Golden
Spread the batter evenly in your prepared pan. Pop it into the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the edges turn a gorgeous golden brown. Keep an eye on it, because you want a soft center with just enough firmness to hold together when cut.
Step 8: Cool and Add the Optional Glaze
Let the bars cool completely in the pan before taking them out. If you want to add a little extra sweetness and flair, drizzle the optional glaze made from powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla over the bars. Once set, cut into squares and get ready to enjoy!
How to Serve Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars Recipe
Garnishes
A simple sprinkle of cinnamon sugar or a few extra raisins on top can elevate these bars from delicious to eye-catching. If you opted for the glaze, a light drizzle adds visual appeal and an extra touch of sweetness that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.
Side Dishes
These bars make a perfect companion to a warm cup of coffee, tea, or even a glass of cold milk. For a more indulgent snack, serve alongside vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream—comfort food vibes in every bite.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut your oatmeal raisin cookie bars into fun shapes using cookie cutters for festive occasions or pack them neatly in a decorative tin for gifting. Layer them with parchment paper in a lunchbox or add a small stack to your picnic basket for an easy and portable sweet treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store your bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. This keeps them moist and chewy but if you prefer them softer, a container with a slice of bread can help retain moisture.
Freezing
These bars freeze beautifully! Wrap individual bars or the whole pan tightly in plastic wrap and then place inside a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 3 months, making it easy to enjoy homemade treats anytime without the work.
Reheating
If you prefer your oatmeal raisin cookie bars warm, microwave them on a plate for about 15-20 seconds or heat briefly in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-7 minutes. This softens the bars and revives their freshly-baked charm.
FAQs
Can I substitute raisins with other dried fruits?
Absolutely! Dried cranberries, chopped dates, or even dried cherries are excellent alternatives that add their own unique sweetness and texture to the bars.
Is it possible to make these bars gluten-free?
Yes, simply swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend and ensure your oats are labeled gluten-free. This way, you can still enjoy the classic flavors without the gluten.
Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned rolled oats?
Quick oats can be used in a pinch but the texture will be less chewy and more soft. Rolled oats provide the ideal chewiness that defines this oatmeal raisin cookie bars recipe.
Do I have to use butter or can I substitute it?
Butter gives richness and structure, but you can substitute with a plant-based margarine or coconut oil for a dairy-free option. Keep in mind that this may slightly alter the flavor and texture.
What causes the bars to be too crumbly?
Overbaking or not using enough moisture (like butter or eggs) can make the bars dry and crumbly. Be sure to follow baking times closely and use softened butter to keep them tender and easy to cut.
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, this Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars Recipe is pure comfort and simplicity baked into every bar. Whether you’re looking for an easy homemade treat or something to brighten up your snack routine, these bars have you covered. Once you try them, they’ll become a staple you reach for again and again. So grab your ingredients, preheat that oven, and get ready to enjoy some seriously delicious bars that taste like a warm hug in every bite.
Print
Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars combine the hearty texture of rolled oats with the sweet chewiness of raisins, all baked into a soft, golden bar. Perfect for a wholesome snack or dessert, these bars feature warm cinnamon and a hint of vanilla, with an optional sweet glaze to add an extra touch of indulgence.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Add-ins
- 1 cup raisins
Optional Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 tablespoons milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a baking pan by lining it with parchment paper or greasing it lightly to prevent the bars from sticking.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which helps create a tender texture for the bars.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Incorporate the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then mix in the vanilla extract to evenly distribute the flavor.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the rolled oats, all-purpose flour, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt. This ensures all dry components are well combined.
- Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures: Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet mixture, stirring carefully to avoid overmixing, which can toughen the bars.
- Fold in Raisins: Gently fold in the raisins to evenly distribute the sweet, chewy bursts throughout the batter.
- Bake the Bars: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Glaze: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before adding the optional glaze made by mixing powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract. Once glazed, cut into bars and serve.
Notes
- Ensure the butter is softened but not melted for best creaming results.
- Use old-fashioned rolled oats for texture; quick oats will produce a different consistency.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend.
- The optional glaze adds sweetness and moisture but can be omitted for a less sweet treat.
- Bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or refrigerated for up to a week.
